We who are in Christ have enormous resources. We are infinitely blessed (see Ephesians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:9-10). But we can squander those resources if, like Samson, we do not learn one vital lesson-the lesson of self-discipline and wholehearted commitment to the Lord.

Samson was a feared strongman with great potential. But he never learned to control himself (Judges 14:1-4). As a result, he squandered the resources God had given him, failed to accomplish his mission, was reduced to complete weakness, and died, having fallen short.

We first meet him in Timnah, where we see a man dominated by his appetites and desires (vv. 1-2). He sought to marry a Canaanite woman, which God clearly prohibits (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). But Samson went ahead regardless. This represents not only a betrayal of his calling but also direct disobedience to God himself. When questioned by his parents, his abrupt reply was: ″She is right in my eyes″ (v. 3, ESV). This says a great deal about him:

First, he was a man who rejected authority. Marrying the Canaanite woman was not only contrary to God's clearly-declared will, but also against the wishes of his parents. The principle of his life was: If I want to do it, I am going to do it.

Second, the basis of his behaviour was secular and selfish. The phrase, ″Everyone did as he saw fit″ (literally ″what was right in his own eyes″, Judges 17:6; 21:25), is used twice to account for the spiritual chaos and catastrophe during this period of Israel's history. Samson was a spiritual anarchist who had adopted the social values of his pagan contemporaries. We live in a period of moral, spiritual, and ethical anarchy. But what is especially sad is when believers adopt the world's approach to life. Ultimately, it comes down to whether we are going to live by God's authority or by our own standards. The great battleground of our time is the battleground of authority.

Samson was an undisciplined man who indulged himself freely, controlled by his passions. He saw no reason to curb his desires. Today, sexual immorality is a common reason why Christians lose their effectiveness for Jesus Christ. But there are many other problem areas.

Paul understood the danger of the lack of self-control. He disciplined his body so that he would be mastered by Christ (1 Corinthians 9:27). Almost anything can distract us from focusing on Jesus-things that may be beautiful and good in their proper place, but can cause damage when self-discipline breaks down. Self-discipline is not denying our drives and desires; it is submitting them to God's will and timing. If we do not discipline our lives, we can squander our resources and lose our effectiveness.